SANDAG grapples with shaping the future with dwindling funds

As a bellwether to the year ahead, Gallegos noted that there is "an unprecedented number of environmental documents in circulation" for future projects, including the widening of I-5, the final leg of State Route 76 expansion, State Route 11 and the new border crossing and, for variety, a plan for sand replenishment on local beaches which could be ready to go by March 2012.

The economy and the disappearing funding from state and federal agencies were cause for some consternation although much of the funding of county projects comes from the TransNet Fund, a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2004.

"Almost all money being collected at the state and federal level is being used to maintain what we already have," said Gallegos.

But a down economy is also good for SANDAG. Gallegos noted that in 2010, the agency acquired $350 million in funds at a fixed rate of 3.89 percent -- the lowest rate in the agency's history. The money, he noted, enables the agency to move up the schedules of many critical transportation projects.

Something new to the discussion this year -- in this form at least -- was the concept of "sustainable communities." It is an umbrella term under which is collected strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the number of cars on highways, creating more alternative transportation, guiding future growth into denser urban areas and harnessing technology to give us all better lives.

In other words, "elected officials having to make unpopular decisions," quipped Jim Madaffer, former San Diego City Council member.

San Marcos mayor Jim Desmond questioned the use of policy to prod people into taking mass transit and car pools. "I have a problem with forcing people out of their cars," he said. "I want to be in my pod. I don't want to hear your music, I don't want to listen to you sneeze...

"We're trying to force change in people's behavior."

Port Authority chairman Scott Peters sees the process differently. "We know growing closer in(to urban areas) is cheaper, that building new roads takes money from old roads," he said. If nothing is done, "Desmond will be spending extra time in his car in the future. It will be his choice."

Elyse Lowe of the advocacy group Move San Diego said creating transportation options "is not forcing people from cars but making it possible to have fewer cars in the family."

Others wondered about the consequences of living environmentally sound lives. La Mesa mayor Art Madrid pointed out that successful water conservation projects can end with higher water rates, to compensate for the lower revenues.

San Diego city councilman David Alvarez wondered "how do you (create) incentives when fares are increasing and transfers have been eliminated."

There was a lot of agony over the need to do a lot with fewer and fewer funds. Not surprisingly, some tactics weren't in the realm of SANDAG's strategy but are certainly complementary. Quite a few like the idea of telecommuting, now recast as teleworking, from homes.

National City mayor Ron Morrison noted that his is the only city in the county with 10-hour work days (and four-day work weeks). "It cuts down on traffic, puts traffic outside of rush hour," he observed. Plus, 10 hour days enable city workers to better-serve 9-to-5 citizens, he added.

In the end, the concept of sustainable communities "is about getting people to do the right thing," suggested County supervisor Greg Cox.

Still to be reconciled is when your "right thing" and mine conflict, who decides? And who will pay?